I was pretty intrigued by the Atopalm Real Barrier Extreme Cream’s brave marketing: Improves skin barrier by 99.5% within two weeks. So, of course, I had to try it.
At a glance:
- Price and availability
- Brand
- Claims
- Ingredients
- Packaging
- Scent
- Texture
- My experience
- Pros
- Cons
- Verdict
- Shop
Where to buy Real Barrier Extreme Cream?
Shop at Amazon*, Atopalm, StyleKorean*, YesStyle*. (*affiliate links)
Real Barrier brand
After researching, I found that Dr. Raymond Park created the Atopalm brand to heal his child’s atopic dermatitis. He has invented the Triple Ceramide and Multi-Lamellar Emulsion (MLE) technologies,
Originally named Atopalm brand has grown into the Atopalm family. The umbrella company now has several brands:
Atopalm MLE is their flagship range designed with ultra-sensitive skin in mind. MLE replenishes skin that’s too irritated by more complex skincare formulas.
Real Barrier is for skin that still needs MLE (i.e., everybody) but can tolerate more ingredients like hyaluronic acid and patented dual ceramides. Rich, refreshing, and luxurious.
Zeroid is a Korean doctor-recommended range for skin and scalp/hair concerns. Science-backed ingredients are gentle enough for all skin types and ages.
T’else is a revolutionary kombucha-based skincare line that provides soothing and relaxing care through the power of antioxidants!
Derma:B focuses solely on the body with moisturizing and soothing products designed for the body.
dermArtlogy is our newest range, formulated to provide robust anti-aging care without ever irritating or compromising the skin.
Real Barrier Extreme Cream claims
With the addition of a newly patented ceramide, Omega-Ceramide-16, Extreme Cream now has triple hydration, and increases the moisture level of the skin on the surface and from within. Also, along with Hyaluronic Acid, has been proven to provide 72 hours of continuous moisturization.
The new formulation is safer for sensitive skin types because allergenic ingredients were removed. It is designed to combat wintertime skin dryness and helps protect against the stresses of the environment with the MLE technology.
It is an excellent solution for strengthening and repairing the skin barrier (dry, itchy skin, redness, irritated skin).
Who is this cream for?
For those with dry, sensitive, and combination skin problems.
Director Pi raved about this product in a not sponsored Youtube video, so I was sold.
Real Barrier Extreme Cream Ingredients
Water/Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Panthenol, Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide Mea, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl 10 Distearate, Dimethicone, Sorbitan, Stearate, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Fruit Extract, 1,2 Hexanediol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glucose, Tocopheryl Aceta Te, Phytosterols, Phospholipids, Dihydroxyisopropyl, Palmoylpalmamide, Bis-Capryloyloxypalmitamido Isopropanol, Allantoin, Acetyl Heptapeptide 4, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Elettaria Cardamo Mum Seed Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Biosaccharide Gum 1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Dipeptide 1 Cetyl Ester, Madecassoside, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol.
MLE Technology
The multi-layer emulsion technology uses a combination of ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and other fats to flawlessly mimic the natural lamellar structure of skin lipids.
To put it simply: the idea is not only to supply the lipids that occur in our stratum corneum but also to arrange them in a specific shape and pattern identical to the one in the skin. Thanks to this, they perfectly fill the cavities in the intercellular cement and seal the skin barrier. This technology provides a new standard for dermatological science. MLE technology started an era of multi-layer emulsions.
MLE technology was specially designed to help soothe dry and sensitive skin. It revitalizes the skin’s moisture by restoring the protective barrier system.
Key Ingredients
This product has all the good ingredients for skin barrier, regeneration, recovery, and skin soothing.
Ceramides
Real Barrier Extreme Cream’s main ingredient is a complex of synthetic ceramides – pseudo ceramide PC-95 and synthetic ceramide type III- which is remarkably similar to the natural elements of intercellular cement.
Ceramides are a family of lipids that account for 50% of the skin barrier (by weight), so they are crucial to:
- maintain the skin’s moisture levels;
- protect skin from external irritants making skin more resilient;
- help make skin more plump, juicy, radiant, and smooth;
- makes skin tolerate chemical exfoliation much better;
- skin is less likely to become irritated
- because they prevent dehydration, ceramides are a great anti-aging ingredient
- regulate the cell cycle and apoptosis (regulated cell death)
- beneficial for all skin types
The lipids develop their best effect in combination with other skin-identical ingredients such as glycerin and amino acids. Since ceramides are found in the skin, they suit all skin types.
Good to know: Young skin produces enough ceramides. From the age of 30, the body’s ceramide production decreases. In addition, the quality of the produced lipids decreases.
The composition includes many fatty substances that supplement the missing lipids in the damaged skin barrier, restore its natural protective functions and reduce transepidermal water leakage (TEWL).
The cream has also been enriched with a whole arsenal of ingredients that soothe and deeply moisturize it:
Madecassoside
Derived from the Centella Asiatica plant. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects and stimulates fibroblasts, creating collagen and strengthening the skin’s structure. It also contributes to anti-aging as it is an effective antioxidant. Madecassoside is also an active ingredient used for its anti-redness & anti-scaling effect.
Alcohol
Alcohol can potentially assist product absorption, but this is the one irritant in this product. It can cause skin dryness and damage the skin barrier in high enough doses.
Panthenol is used to improve skin moisture retention and prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
Allantoin is a non-irritating ingredient that soothes and protects the skin.
Mistletoe Extract – Used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Peptides are used to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
Sodium hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid that hydrates, restore, and reinforces the skin’s protective layer.
Ingredients NOT included in the extreme cream
Parabens, Mineral Oil, or artificial fragrances.
This product was not tested on animals.
Packaging
The Real Barrier Extreme Cream is tubbed in a plastic jar contained in a box.
I like both packaging (box and jar) for their minimal designs. They have information (in Korean), such as ingredients listed on their sides.
Furthermore, the plastic jar has a screw-type cap as its cover and a white seal with a pull tab for hygienic purposes (I think).
I’m glad that Real Barrier Extreme Cream emphasizes cleanliness, too. I love that about this cream!
About the expiration of this cream, interestingly, the manufacturer claims:
Our products are suitable for 2 to 3 years beyond the date of manufacture, and if you check the jar symbol on the back of the carton, you will see it contains the number 12. That means the product is at its’ peak efficiency for 12 months after opening.
Smell
It smells natural even though it doesn’t contain fragrance ingredients.
Texture
A thick, buttery, creamy texture and a little goes a long way. But upon applying it on my skin, I found it lightweight, to my surprise.
Yeah, I know the texture looks heavy, but looks can be deceiving.
Also, the cream absorbs fast without leaving my skin feeling oily or sticky. Love it!
Personal experience with Real Barrier Extreme Cream
I was not paid for this review, nor did I receive it as a gift. I am about to finish my first jar, but the effects on my skin have been obvious from the start.
My skin type and concerns
I have normal skin during summer. As winter approaches, my skin gets drier and drier. It might be a good time to mention that I started tretinoin a month ago, and I’m still adjusting.
When I received the Real Barrier Extreme Cream, I assumed it was just like any other ordinary moisturizer, but boy was I wrong. I love just how effective this cream is.
My chin sometimes peels. I get dry patches of skin at the corners of my mouth and a slight dryness around my nose area. And I sometimes get eczema on my forehead.
As you can see, my eczema was calmed after just three days of use. My skin doesn’t get dry much but is more soothed and moisturized instead. I also enjoy how this cream is light to my skin; upon applying, there are no hints of greasiness or stickiness. It makes my skin more radiant and glowy versus oily.
It is thick in consistency, like butter, but once you apply it to your face, it goes smoothly and absorbs quickly into your skin without feeling like it sits on top of your face. I use this as my moisturizer at night after tretinoin, and I no longer need to lock it in with an occlusive such as a petroleum-based formula. I also use it during the day, and it works just as well.
The Real Barrier Extreme Cream seals in the Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum I am currently applying and makes an excellent barrier for my skin that lasts from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Furthermore, my skin never experienced any reactions, and I need to mention that this cream doesn’t have any dangerous ingredients that may be harmful to our skin.
How to use Real Barrier Extreme Cream?
Use it at the last step in your skincare routine because it contains occlusive ingredients.
The best way to apply face cream is using small quantities. There is no need to use more because it doesn’t provide extra benefits. It takes a longer time for the cream to absorb into the skin when using a large amount. Your face should be able to absorb the cream rather than feel sticky.
In the case of atopic, extremely dry, or irritated skin, you can use it up to 3 times a day on its own or with a moisturizing serum.
Pros
- strengthens the skin barrier
- hypoallergenic
- no fragrance
- hydrating
- moisturizing
Cons
- none
Final Thoughts
Gosh, I love this cream! It’s an excellent moisturizer for very dry, sensitized skin. It has a heavier and thicker texture than your “typical” everyday cream, making it a dreamy choice for my dry skin. Also not a bad choice for other skin types, for dry or dehydrated days.
So considering its packaging, texture, scent, and benefits, Real Barrier Extreme Cream is one of my go-to moisturizers.
Will I repurchase Real Barrier Extreme Cream?
I enjoy this product and am almost certainly going to repurchase it to use it daily.
Rating: 5/5
Shop for Real Barrier Extreme Cream
Shop at Amazon*, Atopalm, StyleKorean*, YesStyle*. (*affiliate links)
As always, you do you, be kind to your skin and yourself!
Remember that every person’s skin and skin type is different, so what might work for me might not work for you, and vice versa.
So before adding a new product to your skincare routine, it pays to do a little research first. Pay special attention to ingredients that you might react to.
Doing a patch test is always a good idea. Unsure? Best to consult your dermatologist.
Happy skin experimenting, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Show me proof
- Q Li, H Fang, E Dang, G Wang, The role of ceramides in skin homeostasis and inflammatory skin diseases, Journal of Dermatological Science, Volume 97, Issue 1, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.12.002.(50% of the skin barrier)
- Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A. et al. Ceramides and Skin Function. Am J Clin Dermatol 4, 107–129 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
- Uchida Y. Ceramide signaling in mammalian epidermis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Mar;1841(3):453-62. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.09.003. Epub 2013 Sep 19. PMID: 24055887; PMCID: PMC3943494.
- Cha, H. J., He, C., Zhao, H., Dong, Y., An, I., An, S.”Intercellular and intracellular functions of ceramides and their metabolites in skin (Review)“. International Journal of Molecular Medicine 38, no. 1 (2016): 16-22. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2016.2600
- S Kwak, E Brief, D Langlais, N Kitson, M Lafleur, J Thewalt, Ethanol perturbs lipid organization in models of stratum corneum membranes: An investigation combining differential scanning calorimetry, infrared and 2H NMR spectroscopy, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Biomembranes, Volume 1818, Issue 5, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.02.013
